First four categories of the protected areas cover all the ecological and cliematic regions of the country. The Category 5,6 and 7 are introduced in 1993 (act no 49) by ammending the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (No 2 of 1937) of Sri Lanka, but No areas have been declared under this category upto now. Sanctuaries are special areas conserved for wildlife which may include both state and private lands. The human activities in private lands are regulated.

1. Strict Nature Reserves(SNR)

No human activities are allowed in SNRs and they are protected as a pure natural system. Research work could be carried out, under strict supervision of DWLC starf, with the approval from the Director and strict guidlines are introduced to minimize the impact. The Protected area network of Sri Lanka consists of three such strict nature reserves.

Hakgala is the only SNR among the above, which represent the wet zone of Sri Lanka.

2. National Parks(NP)

National Parks are the areas allowed for the public to see and study wildlife. However necessory rules and regulations are introduced to ensure the maximum protection to wildlife and their habitats. There are 14 NPs declared covering entire range of ecosystems of Sri Lanka. Among these 14 the "Horton Planins" NP which is a montain forest, represents the wet zone ecosystems of Sri Lanka.

Wildlife viewing and studying are not allowed in Nature Reserves. However scintific studies are encoraged under the supervision of DWLC. The Major diference in this category compared to PAs and SNRs is, in Nature Reserves traditional human activities are allowed to cotinue. But this right in not transferabel. Protected Area system of Sri Lanka comprises of 4 such NRs.

The only Jungle Coridore declared under the provisions of Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFPO) was opned for development under the accelarated Mahaweli Development Porgramme, which was a major development intervention in the recent past.

8. Sanctuaries

Protection of the habitats and allowing human activities simultaiously done in the sanctuaries. Sanctuaries may include private lands also. Sanctuaries ensures the protection of Wildlife which are outside the state land. It is not necessory to obtain a permit for enter into such areas. However the activities area regulated by the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFPO).